As we get closer to the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, I’m hearing a lot of chatter about the potential for trades. Also, there still seems to be a wide range of opinions on prospects with a chance to be selected on Thursday night. With less of a clear consensus than what we’ve grown accustomed to in recent years, we could be in for a wild Day 1.
With that in mind, here’s my final projection for the first 32 selections.
Programming note: Tune in for live coverage of Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft beginning at 8 p.m. ET on April 24 on NFL Network, NFL+, the NFL Channel, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
It sounds like the cat could be out of the bag with this pick, based on Titans GM Mike Borgonzi’s comments this week. It’s time to bring some excitement to Tennessee, and Ward has a very enticing skill set.
At the end of the day, the Browns decide they can’t bypass all that Hunter brings to the table. GM Andrew Berry has said he views the two-way star as a wide receiver first and then a cornerback. Cleveland will have a fun duo at receiver with Hunter and Jerry Jeudy.
There’s been chatter about the Giants potentially trading out of this pick, but if they stay put, I think they address the defensive line. Carter could take their front from good to great.
The Patriots must upgrade the left tackle position heading into Year 2 for Drake Maye. Campbell fits the bill. He’ll be a long-term starter for New England.
With Jeanty unavailable, the Raiders decide to continue building at the line of scrimmage. I would assume Texas coach Steve Sarkisian gave his former boss, Pete Carroll, a strong recommendation on Banks. With Kolton Miller seeking a new contract, Banks gives Las Vegas insurance at left tackle. In the meantime, he could play guard if needed.
I think this pick comes down to Membou versus Penn State TE Tyler Warren for new GM Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn. They choose Membou, who slides into the right tackle spot as potentially the final piece to the Jets’ offensive line overhaul of the last few years.
There’s a lot of talk about the Saints drafting a quarterback at No. 9, but I think they’ll address that position in the second round. They have an affinity for long, physical edge rushers — Williams fits that mold.
With the top offensive linemen and Jeanty off the board, Warren becomes a very attractive piece for Ben Johnson’s offense. The Bears will be living in 12 personnel with Warren, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on the field. That’s a group to be excited about.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS
I believe Loveland is highly coveted by a bunch of teams, and it seems like the Dolphins would like to add more draft capital. Sean Payton has never been shy about being aggressive — the Saints traded up in the first round four times during his tenure as head coach. If he wants something, he usually goes and gets it. The signing of Evan Engram would not preclude Denver from making an aggressive move for Loveland.
Colts GM Chris Ballard has always placed a premium on athletic traits, and Stewart offers those in a big way. This feels very similar to the selection of Kwity Paye when he was coming out of college in 2021. Indianapolis drafts an edge rusher in the first round for the second year in a row (Laiatu Latu in 2024) after losing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency.
I think this is the year Atlanta addresses the pass rush in Round 1. There’s a lot of chatter about James Pearce Jr. going to the Falcons, but in this scenario, Walker falls into their lap. He can rush off the edge — on passing downs, at the minimum — and play off the ball, too.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Giants and Browns are both candidates to trade back into the first round, with the goal of moving ahead of the QB-needy Steelers. I’ve heard talk about the Seahawks looking to trade out of Round 1, so this pairing makes sense. New York would get its QB and Seattle GM John Schneider would be armed with a boatload of Day 2 picks after this trade. There’s a belief in league circles that the Giants view Dart as a better fit than Shedeur Sanders.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS
I could see the Dolphins taking Starks at No. 13, but in this case, they trade back and still get him. Starks is a perfect fit for Miami, which lost Jevon Holland and could be on the verge of parting with Jalen Ramsey. Starks has the versatility to start at nickelback or safety.
I’m not convinced the Steelers will take Sanders if he’s available, but if he doesn’t go here, I’m not sure where he ends up. Mason Rudolph can provide a little bit of a bridge until Sanders is ready to go. This pick is a classic case of need meeting value.
It certainly would raise some eyebrows if Jim Harbaugh were to pass on two of his former Michigan pupils (DT Kenneth Grant and CB Will Johnson) to take an Ohio State product. That said, Henderson might just be too enticing here. He would be the lightning to Najee Harris‘ thunder, giving the Chargers an explosive running game.
The expectation is the Vikings will address either the offensive or defensive line here, even after making additions at those spots through free agency. Harmon can learn from Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave before becoming a full-time starter.
The Texans are intent on changing the culture of their offensive line room, and Booker’s intangibles are as highly regarded as any I’ve come across in my time scouting offensive linemen.
On the surface, this might be puzzling, given the presence of Kyren Williams. But Williams is in the final year of his contract and had only one carry of 30-plus yards last season. In comparison, Saquon Barkley had 13 such runs, including the playoffs. Hampton provides a more explosive element to the Rams’ run game and can eventually take over as RB1.
This one is pretty simple: The Ravens are well connected at Michigan, and they have a need on the interior defensive line after Michael Pierce’s retirement.
The Lions have done a lot of homework on interior offensive linemen in this draft class. Jackson has been a riser throughout the evaluation process and would be the replacement for Kevin Zeitler. Jackson might not even make it to this pick, though.
I wouldn’t rule out a defensive tackle here, but the Bills need to add a cornerback with one of their early picks. Amos has the ability to match up with big, physical receivers.
It feels like the Chiefs will be taking the best available offensive tackle, even after signing Jaylon Moore. Their tackle play has cost them in both of their Super Bowl losses during the Patrick Mahomes era. They continue to invest at the position.
